Jan L. Brandau

Jan L. Brandau, 70, of Wilton, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at St. Joseph's, Hillsboro.
He was born on October 4, 1955, to Leonard and Galetta (Bucholz) Brandau in Sparta. He was a member of the Royall High School Graduating Class of 1973. On March 22, 1975, Jan was united in marriage to Phyllis K. Ollendick at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Indian Creek. For a few years, Jan worked with his uncles at Sash + Door Construction, before beginning his lifelong career as a farmer in the Town of Wilton. In addition to farming, he drove milk truck for Martin's and silage truck for Brian Sullivan.
Jan enjoyed deer hunting, playing cards, watching tractor pulls, having family get togethers in the garage, and just stopping by to have a beer and visit. Although Jan was a fairly quiet man, he was very caring and loved his grandchildren to pieces. He unconditionally gave back to the Wilton community, volunteering on the Fire Department, driving ambulance, and serving on the Town Board. Jan was always willing to show up to lend a hand. On any given day, you could find Jan driving a tractor and in the winter plowing snow.
Jan is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis of Wilton; 5 children, Patty (Chris Mlsna) Dwyer, Boone (Deb) Brandau, Kara (John Udulutch) Brandau, Greg (Jessica) Brandau and Kay (Guthrie) Thurston; 15 grandchildren, Alexis (Eric) Flock, Aaron Dwyer, Ashton Mlsna, Katie (Brandon) Pagel, Kaden (Daisy) Brandau, Gracie Brandau, Everly Brandau-Udulutch, Autumn (Rian), Alivia, Annabelle, Janson and Aletta Brandau. Brynn, Drew and Jordyn Thurston; 7 great grandchildren, Addilyn, Ryker, Blaire, Issac and Hazel Flock, Rylan McCarthy, and Brynlee Brandau. He is further survived by his siblings, Judy Bever, Sandra (Bill Tyler) Parish, James (Carol) Brandau, Lori (Rick) Brueggen; his brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Ruby Smith, Peggy (Terry) Tiber, Helen (Ron) Krueger, Joan Brieske, Ted (Karen) Ollendick, John (Marcia) Ollendick, Barb (Jim) Fleming, Sherry (Bob) Conant, and Judy (Bill) Mecozzi; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.
Jan is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ted and Hilda Ollendick; brothers-in-law, Michael Ollendick, William Bever, Darold Brieske, and Larry Smith; niece, Terri Powell and nephew, Richard Siess.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 401 Mill Street, in Wilton. Pastor Karen Sparling will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul's church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Sunday at the church from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM and on Monday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
The Family Requests memorials be given in Jan's memory.
The Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered to the family by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com